The latest actors to take on the famous roles of Superman and Lois Lane, Brandon Routh and Kate Bosworth, were greeted by hundreds of fans in London.

Bosworth has admitted being initially nervous about appearing in such a big-budget film. Superman Returns is rumoured to have cost more than $200m (�108m).

Kevin Spacey plays Superman's arch-nemesis Lex Luthor. The actor has said that while Gene Hackman was "great" in the role in the 1978 film, Luthor is meant to be scarier this time.

Director Bryan Singer said the turn-out by fans was the best yet for one of his UK premieres. "More people, more intensity, more excitement - more screaming," he said.

Possibly the most famous performances as the Man of Steel are those by the late Christopher Reeve, who starred in four Superman films in the 1970s and 80s.

Frank Langella plays Daily Planet editor Perry White, who hopes Superman's return will boost sales. The actor has also appeared in Dave and Good Night, and Good Luck.

Director Bryan Singer has been linked to a possible 2009 sequel to the new film, while Routh and Spacey have both said they would be prepared to reprise their parts.